Community and staff representatives gathered to say “bon voyage” to East Side Neighborhood Services’ president of five years, Kristine Martin, on Dec. 7. Her last day at the agency was Dec. 9 and the board may be close to completing its search for her replacement.
Fred Bryan, current board chair, said, “there was trauma and we thank her for getting us through that.” Her term included the COVID-19 years, during which the agency’s many programs had to adapt to being virtual and then, recently, re-emerge. ESNS is involved in everything from childcare to employment for seniors, an alternative high school, preventing family violence, food shelves, transportation, Camp Bovey and more.
Marty Zaworski described Martin’s first meeting with the Northeast Minneapolis Lions Club and concluded, “We’re impressed with what you did, and you made it easy to donate to you.” In her role on the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District board, Martin helped rewrite a mission statement and worked on other projects. Zach Robinson of Spark-Y, who started talking with ESNS six months ago, said that Martin is serious about building collaborations even after deciding to leave for personal reasons.
Martin hinted that it might be more of a “see you later, I have some projects up my sleeve,” and recounted how she chose to come to ESNS when not really looking for a position but seeing “an opportunity to download” everything learned over a 30-some year career. She saw and followed through on opportunities to turn the neighborhood and agency’s wealth of knowledge into public policy, going to the legislature with success and near-success. The family healing program was the only one of its type to get state funding; another win was stalled when no special session was called. “This is an amazing community, rich … humble, hard-working, family and child centered, into play, art. … the community has given me more than ever expected,” Martin said.
Sarah Vinueza remembers watching the former Fleischmann’s plant burn on what became the current ESNS site. Her children benefited from many ESNS programs as she rebuilt her life as a single parent. Telling her story at a fundraiser a few years ago helped donations soar. In table conversation, she said one of the program staff had shared that her daughter had inspired him along the way. Vinueza said she is excited about the way she has chosen to give back. As new board member, she represents a theme of Martin’s tenure, that the agency leadership involve and reflect the people it serves.
Below: Kristine Martin, Kevin Reich and Zach Robinson chat at Martin’s going away party. Martin shared her thoughts about the rewards of working with the community in Northeast. Board chair Fred Bryan in the background, new board member Sarah Vinueza at left. (Photos by Margo Ashmore)
